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Teaira McCowan of the Fever, works defense against Cheyenne Parker of the Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever, WNBA preseason, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapoolis, Wednesday, May 15, 2019. RobertScheer, Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Pokey Chatman, Head Coach of Indiana, talks over a plan with player Paris Kea, during the second half of Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever, WNBA preseason, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapoolis, Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Indiana won 76-65. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Kelsey Mitchell of the Fever, brings the ball upcourt during action against the Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever, WNBA preseason, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapoolis, Wednesday, May 15, 2019. RobertScheer, Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Betnijah Laney of Indiana, and Allie Quigley of the Chicago Sky smile as they chat during a second quarter break during action at Indiana Fever, WNBA preseason, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapoolis, Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Indiana won 76-65. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Kayla Alexander of Indiana, and Alaina Coates of Chicago, tie up as they look for a loose ball, Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever, WNBA preseason, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapoolis, Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Indiana won 76-65. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Kelsey Mitchell of Indiana, works a play against a Chicago Sky player at Indiana Fever, WNBA preseason, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapoolis, Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Indiana won 76-65. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Pokey Chatman, Head Coach of Indiana, talks over a plan with player Paris Kea, during the second half of Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever, WNBA preseason, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapoolis, Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Indiana won 76-65. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Bria Goss of Indiana, calls out a play during second half action, Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever, WNBA preseason, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapoolis, Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Indiana won 76-65. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

Erica McCall of Indiana, works a possession against Chloe Jackson of the Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever, WNBA preseason, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapoolis, Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Indiana won 76-65. Robert Scheer/IndyStar

INDIANAPOLIS – Kelsey Mitchell and the Indiana Fever starters built a sizable lead early with smothering defense, and Tiffany Mitchell and the second unit handled the rest en route to a 76-65 exhibition win over the Chicago Sky on Thursday afternoon.

The win moves the Fever to 2-0 in the preseason.

The Fever held the Sky to six points on 3-of-17 shooting in the first quarter. All-Star center Stephanie Dolson played just two minutes before picking up two fouls while battling for position with 6-7 Fever rookie center Teaira McCowan down low. Dolson struggled with McCowan's strength, going scoreless with one rebound and four fouls.

McCowan's length inside helped the Fever win the rebounding battle 40-30, the points in the paint margin 28-24, and she provided a thunderous block, bringing her teammates to their feet in the second half. The No. 3 overall pick finished with six points and seven rebounds.

"It's a physical game in the post," McCowan said. "I just try to cut as hard as I can, and with the new rules, you have to let people get to their spot. So I just try play smart. I just kept going downhill as hard as I could to get to my spot and they're calling fouls."

The Fever lived in the passing lanes, jumping in front of passes for transition baskets the other way. Betnijah Laney, Kelsey Mitchell and Erica Wheeler all notched steals and scores in the third quarter. Shenise Johnson's 3-pointer with 5 minutes remaining in the third gave Indiana its biggest lead at 20.

"I think our defensive presence from the onset was good and we maintained that throughout," Fever coach Pokey Chatman said. "... It was really good to see so many players get in rotation and contest a lot of their shots, make it difficult for them."

Tiffany Mitchell led the Fever with 15 points off the bench. The third-year guard from South Carolina entered with 3:47 left in the first quarter. Mitchell scored six straight in a minute and a half, helping the host to a 19-6 lead after one.

The students ranging from 4th to 8th grade, participated in an educational opportunity centered on anti-bullying and healthy lifestyle choices. The goal of the program is to empower youth, help build self-confidence around everyday challenges and find ways to maintain a positive outlook.

The Fever have one more tune-up game Sunday against the now Liz Cambage-less Dallas Wings before opening the regular season against the New York Liberty on May 24.